Match preview: Do the Barrs have defensive nous to stymie Blackrock quartet?

Blackrock have lived an all-city final. They’ve tasted county success. 

The boys of St. Anthony's National School, Cork show their support for Blackrock who play St. Finbarr's in the Cork County Hurling final on Sunday. Included are staff members Leah MacCurtin, Kate Leneghan, Ciarán Cormack and June Sherlock. Picture Dan Linehan

In the same 2020 season where Blackrock ended 18 years without Cork hurling glory, St Finbarr’s were handling managerial strife rather than silverware.

After their opening two group games ended in double-digit defeats, then manager Aidan Fitzpatrick and his backroom team stepped down. A temporary sideline was put in place. Involvement in that season’s relegation play-off was staved off by beating Carrigtwohill in their final group game.